Day of the Dead - Dia De Los Muertos

Via Flickr:Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a national holiday celebrated in Mexico and around the world. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember the dead. The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, bread, photos and favorite items used by the departed.

These photos were taken at St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery on East 10th Street in NYC's East Village on Halloween 10/31/11, where an annual Dia De Los Muertos celebration has been taking place for the past nine years. This celebration is sponsored by 'Mano A Mano' - Mexican Culture Without Borders. www.manoamano.us